Mixed Team into Quarter Finals
Posted by Andy Darnley on 13 April 2014
Cannock Mixed Cup Success
After the end of the league seasons Cannock Hockey Clubs cup sides still have games to play. This Sunday it was the turn of the mixed side who faced Leicester in the last 16 of the EH Mixed Cup. As holders of the Cup Cannock were expecting to make progress but with Leicester having a number of National League and International women they knew it would be a tough game.
Cannock made a slow start and Leicester took the first honours after Captain Andy Hodgetts decided to play football on the penalty spot to give away a penalty corner. This was well taken by Leicester who slotted a goal passed the outstretched arm of keeper Ollie Balcombe. Cannock’s ladies, fresh from their end of season bash the night before, started to focus on the game! As the half progressed Cannock began to find a route to goal. Eventually Chris Darnley won a corner which was flicked into the goal by England Under 21 and Cannock’s Young Player of the Year, Nick Bandurak, to even the score.
Cannock had several further attempts on goal but were denied by the helmet of the Leicester keeper. Shannon Deakin, Zulie Gray and Sarah Martin worked hard to close the opposition defence down and eventually pressured another penalty corner. Nick Bandurak stepped up to the plate once more and duly delivered, to produce the winner. Cannock now waits to see who they will meet in the quarter finals draw.
